North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth announced this week that the Town has received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program for more than $1.8 million to remove aquatic sand from Leeds Pond. 90% of this funding was provided courtesy of the federal government and United States Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Steve Israel.

The project will specifically dredge and remove a 50/50 mixture of sand and silt sediments from Leeds Pond and replenish eroded marshland soils along its beach. This will build up the wetlands to protect North Plandome Road from tidal surges in Manhasset Bay.

“Superstorm Sandy certainly wreaked havoc on our Town and especially on our ponds and waterways,” North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said. “I thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congressman Israel, and FEMA for providing this funding that will help us restore Leeds Pond to its pre-Sandy condition, and help protect one of our Town’s main thoroughfares.”

“North Hempstead’s Leeds Pond was damaged by Superstorm Sandy, and this funding will make sure it is properly dredged,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding will ensure that local taxpayers are not entirely on the hook for the restoration of Leeds Pond.”

“I am pleased North Hempstead will get this federal funding to help cover the initial cost of repairing damages caused by Superstorm Sandy,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Securing this funding through FEMA is the first phase in the process to remove the sediment build-up and finally restore Leeds Pond. These investments remain critical as renovation efforts progress and we continue rebuilding our infrastructure on Long Island.”

“North Hempstead and Leeds Pond took a powerful hit from Superstorm Sandy,” said Congressman Israel. “This investment will restore the beauty and function of Leeds Pond while continuing a partnership between all levels of government and the community to ensure that we are rebuilding stronger and safer in the wake of Sandy’s devastation.”

The Town of North Hempstead’s Leeds Pond is part of Nassau County’s 35-acre Leeds Pond preserve that overlooks Manhasset Bay, and consists of nature trails, tulip trees and oaks, and a stream that flows through a wetland into the pond.

Since Superstorm Sandy, the Town has been approved for 33 projects from FEMA for a total of more than $43.9 million. If you have any further questions on Superstorm Sandy related recovery projects, please call 311 or 516-869-6311.

Leeds Pond is pictured at the bottom of the image, with Manhasset Bay at the top.